ROK says unidentified aerial objects hit vessel in Strait of Hormuz

A Republic of Korea (ROK) joint government investigation team has confirmed that two unidentified aerial objects struck the stern of a ROK-operated vessel anchored in the Strait of Hormuz on May 4, the foreign ministry said on Sunday.

An explosion and fire occurred on the Panamanian-flagged HMM NAMU on May 4, and all 24 crew members aboard, including six South Koreans and 18 foreign nationals, were confirmed unharmed.

The team conducted an on-site investigation into the incident involving the vessel on Friday, according to the ministry.

The investigation found that the two unidentified aerial objects hit the outer plate of the port-side ballast tank at the stern of the vessel at about 3:30 p.m. local time on May 4, about one minute apart. Flames and smoke broke out following the impact and vibration.

The ministry said the fire was presumed to be unrelated to the inside of the vessel, as no abnormalities were found in its engine, generator or boiler.

It remains difficult to determine the exact type and physical size of the objects, the ministry said, adding that further analysis will be conducted on debris collected at the scene.

In response to a question about a visit to the ministry by Iranian Ambassador to the ROK Saeed Koozechi before the briefing, the spokesperson said Iran was a relevant country in the case and that the visit was intended to brief him on the investigation results.